Golden Apple No. 1 goes to ... Amanda Schiescher in Belvidere

The first Golden Apple Award went to Amanda Schiescher, a third- and fifth-grade engineering technology teacher at Washington Academy in Belvidere.

From the Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford: “As one of the few elementary engineering technology teachers in Illinois, Amanda, along with two other teachers, was chosen to create the only STEM elementary engineering technology curriculum in Illinois.”

From the nominators: “(Amanda) is forward-thinking and always willing to accept a challenge or try something new if she feels it is in the best interest of her students. While experiencing behavioral challenges with the older students, she implemented the use of a technology-based behavior management system.”

“I can say with confidence that Mrs. Schiescher makes a difference in the lives of each and every student she comes into contact with ... this is not just your average technology class.”